International Journal of Herbs and Pharmacological Research ASN-PH-020919 IJHPR, 2013, 2(2): 14 – 19. ISSN: 2315-537X www.antrescentpub.com RESEARCH PAPER THE EFFECT OF XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA LEAVES ON BODY WEIGHT AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE *1Obodo B.N., 2Iweka F.K.,1Obhakhan J.O., 3Oyadonghan G.P. 1Agbo G.E. Department of 1Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma-Nigeria. 2Chemical Pathology; Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria. Department of Anatomy, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State. Nigeria. Corresponding Author: [email protected] Received: 21st February, 2013 Accepted: 11th April, 2013 Published: 31st April, 2013 ABSTRACT The effect of Xylopia aethiopica leaves on body weight and growth performance was studied on growing Wistar rats. The study involved twenty-four rats of comparable sizes and weights ranging from 150 to 300g and divided into four groups of six rats each. Group A served as the control while groups B, C and D served as the test and received 1.2g, 3.0g and 6.0g per day of Xylopia aethiopica leaves respectively for 21 days. The feed intake and weights of both the test animal and control were monitored weekly. Results showed that during the 21 days of Xylopia aethiopica leaves administrations, the control (Group A) had a greater mean body weight than those of the test groups. On growth performance, the average daily growth increased in the control but decreased in the test groups in a dose dependent manner. On the other hand, the feed conversion rate (FCR) was observed to decrease with time in the control compared to the test groups where it increased with time. Based on the findings of this study therefore, Xylopia aethiopica may possibly influence body weight and growth performances. Keywords: Growth, Feed Conversion Rate, Body weight, Xylopia aethiopica, Plants. _____________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION Plants and derivatives of plants play a key role in health and have long been known to possess biological activity (Abass, 2012). It is a known fact that thirty percent of all modern drugs are derived from plants and available evidence suggests that approximately 80% of Africans rely on traditional healthcare practitioners and medicinal plants for their daily healthcare needs (Burns, 2000; Johnson et al., 2007; McKay et al., 2007). Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that almost 75% of the world's population has therapeutic experience with herbal remedies principally because of a belief that herbal remedies may have fewer side effects and can enhance the effects of conventional agents (Liu et al., 2007; Desai et al., 2009). Of interest is Xylopia aethiopica, commonly known as “African guinea pepper” or “Ethiopian pepper”. It is an angiosperm of the Annonaceae family, and grows predominantly in humid forest zones of West Africa (Puri and Talata 1978; Woode et al., 2011). In Nigeria, it is found all over the lowland rain forest and most fringe forest in the savannah zones (Sofowara, 1978). It is used as a pepper substitute in Europe and India (Sofowara, 1978) and highly valued in other countries because of its medicinal and pharmacological properties (Okeke et al., 2008). The fruits are used as spices and the aqueous decoctions are used especially after child birth, probably due to its antiseptic potential to arrest bleeding (Burkhill, 1985; Okeke et al., 2008). Interestingly, compounds derived from plants could act as potential therapeutic weapons against various human, animal and even plant diseases, and this potential has made plants invaluable and indispensable to human and Anthonio Research Center © 2013 14 Obodo et al., IJHPR; 2(2): 14 -19 animal lives (Ogbonnia et al., 2008). Xylopia aethiopica is indeed a plant that has been widely used in traditional medicine and unfortunately, most herbal concoctions are not officially regulated like conventional drugs. This may account for the high prevalence of its misuse and abuse (Riddle, 1992; Onyeyili, 2000; Hashemi et al., 2008). Beyond its therapeutic uses however, Xylopia aethiopica has been reported to be widely used as a food supplements (Sofowara, 1978; Evans, 2003; Okeke et al., 2008). Moreover, available evidence has shown that every food substance consumed by humans has either a therapeutic, nutritional or toxic effect on the body (Chike and Adienbo, 2010; Uzodike and Onuoha, 2010). In fact, it has been shown that Xylopia aethiopica can also induce liver damage (Cotran et al., 2005). This study therefore, investigates the effect of Xylopia aethiopica leaves on body weight and growth performance using Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Research design: In all, twenty four adult Albino Wistar rats were used for this study. They were divided into four groups of six rats each. Group A served as the control while group B, C and D served as the test groups. Group A received normal feed and water, while groups B, C and D received 1.2g, 3.0g and 6.0g of Xylopia aethiopica leaves respectively. The substance administration was performed daily for 21 days (3 weeks) and the feed intake and weights of both the test animal and control were monitored weekly. Experimental animals/housing condition: Twenty four (24) adult Albino Wistar rats of comparable sizes and weights ranging from 150 to 300g were procured from the animal farm of Anthonio services Nigeria, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria and transferred to the experimental Laboratory of Anthonio Research Center at No. 40 Ujoelen Extension, Ekpoma, where they were allowed acclimatization for two (2) weeks, in well ventilated wire mesh cages. During this period of acclimatization, the rats were fed with growers’ mash from Grand Cereals limited, Zawan Roundabout, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, and water was provided ad libitum. The animals were maintained and utilized in accordance with the standard guide for the care and use of Laboratory animals. Study duration: The preliminary studies; procurement (Xylopia aethiopica preparation and production), actual animal experiment and evaluation of results, lasted for a period of five months (from September, 2012 to February, 2013). However, the actual administration of Xylopia aethiopica to the test animals lasted for 21 days. Substance of study: Adequate amount of fresh leaves of Xylopia aethiopica was collected from a natural habitat at Eke Village of Udi local Government Area of Enugu State and authenticated by a botanist in the Department of Botany Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. Substance preparation: The fresh leaves of Xylopia aethiopica were spread on a dry table in a ventilated room with total absence of direct sunlight (under a shade) to air dry as described by Fleischer et al, (2008). The dried leaves were blended into fine powder using an electric blender. The fine powder was measured using Electric Balance (Denver Company, USA, 200398. IREV.CXP-3000) and packaged in small plastic envelopes and then stored pending usage. The substance preparation process was performed with maximum care in order to avoid any form of contamination and to ensure accurate results. For the purpose of this study, pastes were prepared by adding measured quantity of Xylopia aethiopica powder to feed (grower mesh) and mixed with sprinkles of water as described by Nwaopara et al., (2011). The growth performance, physical observation and feed utilization of the rats were determined at the end of the experiment as described by Dada and Ikuerowo (2009). Substance administration: The rats were weighed before the administration of the leaves and similar weight measurements were done at the end of each week and the average weight recorded accordingly. The administration of the spices was performed through mixing with feed as follows: Group A (Control) received only normal feed (growers’ mash) and distilled water daily for 21days. Group B received 1.2 g (0.2 g per rat) of Xylopia aethiopica leaves, 48.8g of feed and distilled water daily for 21days. Group C received 3.0g (0.5 g per rat)of Xylopia aethiopica leave , 47.0g of feed and distilled water daily for 21days. Group D received 6.0 g (1.0g per rat) of Xylopia aethiopica, 44.0g of feed and distilled water daily for 21days. Data analysis: Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS (version 17). The one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed and the LSD tested while p<0.05 was considered significant. Anthonio Research Center © 2013 15 Obodo et al., IJHPR; 2(2): 14 -19 RESULTS Table 1 presents the summary of notable physical observations and average feed consumption rate during and at the end of the study. Both the control and test groups (B, C and D) presented no observable change in fur colour. On the other hand, there were no comparable changes on the skin, surfaces of the feet, hand, tail, mouth, ears and eyes, but test groups C and D showed aggressive behavioural signs. Similarly, faecal nature (output, texture and quantity) were different amongst the groups. Group A, C and D presented pale, sticky and mucoid stool. The feed intake was observed to be higher in the control group especially in the first week of administration and this observation was statistically significant (P<0.05) in group D (35.71± 4.29g) at the end of the second week and group C and D at the end of the third week (30.71± 5.28g and 28.57± 5.20g respectively). Table 1. Notable physical observations and average feed consumption of rats fed with Xylopia aethiopica OBSERVATIONS CONTROL B (1.2g XA) C(3.0g XA) D(6.0 g XA) Fur colour - - - - Behavioral changes Skin - - +(aggressive) +(aggressive) changes - - - - Diarrhoea - - - - Death - - - - Water rejection - - + + Birth + - - - Physical agility Active Active Weak Weak Feed intake 1 49.29±0.71a 46.43±1.13a 42.14±2.14a 39.29±5.82a (day-1Gp-1) 2 48.86±0.55a 45.14±4.29a 37.86±3.06a 35.71±4.29b 3 47.57±1.45a 44.57±1.60a 30.71±5.28b 28.57±5.20b Key: + = present; - = negative; XA=Xylopia aethiopica; Gp= group.